The Journey to Inclusive Marketing and AI with Kanene Holder

Welcome to The NTM Growth Marketing Podcast, a melting pot where eagerness meets innovation. Today, we’re not just chatting casually; we've officially brought Kanene Holder, self-titled "Future Fixer," into the conversational fold to delve into the intricate worlds of AI marketing, HR, and their future of inclusivity. In this interview, we see Kanene unravel the essence of making AI, Marketing, HR, and everything in between as inclusive and prepared for what lies ahead.

Reflecting on the Path to Marketing Mastery

Kanene’s journey into this niche space is anything but traditional. One might say it's drenched in vibrant stories and influenced by opinionated Caribbean parents hailing from Trinidad and Jamaica. Her story isn't just a journey, it’s a grand narrative showcasing the quintessential essence of what made - and still makes - America tick; a story that unfolds across continents and decades.

Kanene reminisces about an era saturated with branding, which she nostalgically deems the “master class of marketing.” Remember the days when jingles from giants like 'Got Milk?', Air Jordans, and 'Want to be like Mike?' reverberated within the walls of each home? Indeed, what Kanene paints is the picture-perfect American tableau where Smokey the Bear stood tall, captivating an entire generation with the memorable adage, “Only you can prevent forest fires.”

The brand wars of the ’80s, as Kanene describes, were not just fierce competition; they were cultural phenomena. The Diet Coke versus Diet Pepsi showdown wasn’t only a beverage face-off; it was an engaging spectacle where even a four-year-old Kanene was unwitting into making what felt like life-altering brand allegiances.

It's clear that this history isn’t merely a trip down memory lane for Kanene; it’s indicative of a much larger picture – how American capitalism and branding interplayed in a way that was impossible to ignore, and more critically, so much fun.

The Intersectionality of AI in Modern Industries

It’s no coincidence that a profound understanding of the past can catapult one into the seamless understanding of AI's role in the future. For Kanene, her early academic pursuits in speech pathology at Howard University laid a foundation pivotal in understanding AI, long before it had the buzz it has today.

"AI is modeled after the brain, which I learned when I did speech pathology at Howard University when I was trying to figure out ebonics. So large language models are really based on linguistics... I was studying that before we knew it was artificial intelligence."

Empowered with this knowledge, Kanene’s transition into the world of artificial intelligence feels nothing short of destiny. With AI transforming entire industries, it positions her uniquely as an asset in navigating AI's influence in academia, activism, and marketing.

Her fusion of roles – an educator, an actress, a satirist – has granted her a comprehensive view of technology's potential. And it's fascinating to watch as she elaborates on the cognitive commonalities between how humans learn and the structural underpinnings of AI.

Looking Ahead: Anticipating the Future of Marketing

As 2024 unfolds, Kanene’s anticipation is palpably focused on AI – not just any application of AI, but one that is synergistic with humanity and inclusivity. Amazon's investment in personalized ads is only the beginning. Imagine a world where marketing transforms from a blunt instrument to a scalpel – precise, individualized, and resonant.

Kanene envisions a not-so-distant future, detailed with immersive experiences like multi-platform engagements with live games. These advancements stand poised at the crossroads between entertainment and targeted marketing – a future where innovative ads are seamlessly interwoven into the fabric of consumer interaction.

And what becomes imperative in this transformative era of targeted ads? It's inclusivity – a facet of marketing that does not merely pander, but genuinely understands and resonates with a diverse audience from the beginning, middle to the end.

A Brand Par Excellence

When quizzed on a brand that exemplifies inclusive marketing, Kanene doesn't hesitate – it's Nike. From the iconic Air Force Ones to Jordan's transformative influence, Nike is seen as more than a brand; it's a cultural cornerstone that transcends generations.

But let's dial back and remember why Kanene assumes the moniker "Future Fixer." It's not just about anticipating future trends; it's about actively shaping them to be as inclusive and impactful as possible before we find ourselves in crisis mode. And it’s this proactive stance that defines Futurefixer AI, her organization.

Future Fixer

Kanene launched FutureFixer.ai to support companies and leaders be more inclusive by leveraging her academic and anecdotal research across sectors and industries to accelerate innovation informed by inclusion.

Keep up with Kanene and her adventures:

• LinkedIn: Kanene Ayo Holder

• Website: FutureFixer.ai

• Instagram: @blackissuesissues

For those eager to embrace the waves of the future, to steer your own marketing vessel skillfully past looming icebergs, getting in touch with Kanene Holder and FutureFixer AI might just be the guiding star to navigate these exciting yet unpredictable digital currents.